§ 49 and 50. Mr. John Osbornasked the Minister of Aviation (1) what discussions have been held with British European Airways and the independent airlines about scheduled and chartered flights from the proposed aerodrome in the South Yorkshire area near to Sheffield; and what surveys have been carried out to ascertain the demand for such services;
(2) what discussions have been held with the Sheffield City Council and neighbouring councils for the construction of an airport near Sheffield; what sites have been considered; and if he will make a recommendation to the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Planning Board.
§ Mr. StonehouseWe have advised Sheffield City Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County 263W Council on suitable sites for an aerodrome for the region. Eight sites were originally considered of which Apperknowle and Todwick are probably most suitable. My Department is represented on the Regional Economic Planning Boards and will provide information to the appropriate Board as required.
The provision of air services is a matter for the commercial judgment of the airlines, both Corporations and independents, subject to the issue of licences by the Air Transport Licensing Board. It would be for the airlines and the local authorities to ascertain the demand for such services.
§ 55. Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Minister of Aviation what consideration he has given to the practicability of the conversion from military to civil use of obsolescent Royal Air Force airfields, in South Yorkshire, such as Lindholme, to facilitate the development of South Yorkshire and Humberside.
§ Mr. StonehouseThe local authorities concerned and my officials have jointly considered several sites, including military airfields for a new civil aerodrome. No decision has yet been taken. Lindholme is an active military airfield and, although well placed to serve Doncaster, is not well positioned for the remainder of the region even if it were available for conversion to a civil airport.